|
||||
|
In this Update:
Route 72 Bridge Project in Union and Swatara Townships, Lebanon County Completed
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the long-awaited re-opening of the Route 72 (Ebenezer Road) Bridge spanning Swatara Creek between Jonestown Road and New Bunker Hill Road. The Bridge was closed in April for replacement and opened Thursday, December 12. The four-way stop at the intersection of Route 72 and Tompson Avenue will return to a two-way stop with stop signs. The temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Market and Lancaster streets in Jonestown Borough will be removed and the intersection will return to a two-way stop. Lebanon VA Medical Center Opens New 12,000 Square-Foot Surgical Unit
This week, I was honored to attend and speak at the dedication ceremony for the Lebanon VA Medical Center’s new 12,000 square-foot Medical-Surgical Unit. The new state-of-the-art unit will be used for pre-surgical and post-surgical services with advanced telemetry technology. It is part of the VA’s modernization efforts to expand access to comprehensive and compassionate care to those who have served their country. I am proud that the Lebanon VA has continued to be ranked as one of the best facilities in the Country. Wreaths Across America to Honor Veterans on Dec. 14
Each December, Wreaths Across America helps communities remember the fallen, honor those who served in the military and teach the next generation about the value of freedom by laying wreaths on the graves of heroes. Ceremonies take place this Saturday, Dec. 14. These acts of remembrance take place at Arlington National Cemetery, and more than 4,600 locations in all 50 states, including the National Cemetery at Fort Indiantown Gap. Every year, my wife and I place a wreath on her grandparent’s graves there. This year I also plan to volunteer at the Fairview Cemetery on 4th Street in Denver Borough. You can help by sponsoring a veteran’s wreath at a cemetery near you, volunteering or donating to programs. Search for the nearest participating cemetery here. Congratulations to Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce Awardees
This week, the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce held their annual membership breakfast. There was a huge turnout showcasing how vibrant and community-oriented our business community is. Congratulations to the members of who were recognized for their contributions to the community.
Fostering Greater Educational Opportunities for Students
Throughout the 2023-24 legislative session, Senate Republicans advanced numerous initiatives to expand educational opportunities and dedicate record-breaking levels of funding for our students. A newly implemented law now gives schools the option to use funding for resources to limit student smartphone use during school hours to improve students’ mental health and academic performance. Another measure is now working to improve early literacy rates – critical to lifelong success – by bolstering reading instruction, identifying struggling readers and properly training educators. We know skilled and dedicated teachers are vital to providing students with a strong educational foundation. To attract and keep passionate educators in our commonwealth, Grow PA Scholarships are available to in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in a high-demand industry, and agree to live and work here after graduation. Another new law created is the PA Student Teacher Support Program, to provide student teachers with a stipend to alleviate the financial strain caused by student teaching requirements, thereby increasing the likelihood for degree completion. The new program will assist with the goal of reducing teacher shortages in Pennsylvania. Empowering parents when it comes to the education of their children has been and will remain a focus of our caucus. Read more about our efforts to strengthen educational opportunities here. 2025 Fishing Licenses, Permits and Gift Vouchers on Sale
Fishing licenses, permits and vouchers for 2025 purchased now from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are valid immediately through Dec. 31, 2025. They can be purchased online, through the FishBoatPA mobile app or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. Customers can choose from annual or multi-year licenses and permits with three-, five- and 10-year options. All documents can be printed immediately after purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession. People may also purchase vouchers to be given as gifts and redeemed by recipients. Tips to Stay Safe Throughout the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a special time when many of us spend time with loved ones enjoying long-loved traditions. Because these special activities can come with extra risks, taking some precautions is wise. Candles, which cause the most fires on Christmas day, should be kept at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Trees should be at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles and heat vents. It’s best to dispose of the tree when it’s dry or after the holiday season. Discarding string lights that are worn or damaged also protects against fires. Read more about winter fire prevention. Help Wanted: Qualified Professionals Needed to Improve DEP Permit Process
To help Pennsylvanians who are tied up by bureaucratic red tape, Senate Republicans passed legislation as part of this year’s state budget that created the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program. The program allows permit applicants to have a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-verified professional conduct the initial review of the application, with DEP making its decision based on the qualified professional’s recommendation. Applicants for eligible permits must pay any review fees incurred by the professional in addition to their permit application fees. Qualified professionals who would like to review permits on an expedited basis are encouraged to apply for the specific permits that interest them by Dec. 31. Permits eligible for the SPEED program include air quality plan approvals (state-only) (Chapter 127), earth disturbance permits (Chapter 102), individual water obstruction and encroachment permits (Chapter 105) and dam safety permits (Chapter 105). Please email brfranklin@pa.gov or call 717-787-2471 with any questions. Local Events
Friday, December 13, 5-7:30pm: CLA Carriage Rides Saturday, December 14: Wreaths Across America Saturday, December 14, 10:30am: Lebanon Community Library Holiday Celebration Saturday, December 14-15: Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 14, 5pm-7pm: Christmas at Hilltop Saturday, December 14, 6:30pm: Middle Creek Speaker Series Saturday, December 14-15: Yule Bazaar Saturday, December 14, 8am-12:30pm: Breakfast with Santa at Levitz Park Saturday, December 14, 3-10pm: West Reading Santa Bar Crawl Sunday, December 15, 5-7pm: Nutcracker Social Sunday, December 15, 11am-5pm: Christkindlmarkt
Please do not reply to this email, as that mailbox is unattended. To better serve the constituents of the 48th District, I have set up a contact form on my website. Please click here if you would like to send me a message. To subscribe to Senator Gebhard’s newsletter click here. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or visit https://senatorgebhard48.com/ |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2024 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorgebhard.com | Privacy Policy |
